Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > History

Federalism Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of State and Federal Powers

Quick federalism test: 12 questions, instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ganesh PrasathUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration on coral background federalism quiz title 12 questions and decorative paper elements

This federalism quiz helps you check how power is shared between the U.S. and the states in 12 quick questions. See what you know, review misses, and learn from instant feedback. Keep practicing with the federalism practice quiz and the federalism definition quiz, or broaden context with a US history quiz.

Which system of government divides power between a central authority and constituent political units?
Confederation
Federalism
Parliamentary system
Unitary system
Federalism is a system in which a central government shares power with constituent states or regions. It balances authority by delineating certain powers for national and state governments. This structure aims to prevent over-centralization and protect regional autonomy. Learn more about federalism principles .
Which constitutional amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people?
Tenth Amendment
Eleventh Amendment
Eighth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment states that powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. This amendment underpins the federal structure by protecting state sovereignty. It is a cornerstone of American federalism. Read the full text of the Tenth Amendment .
The principle of federalism in the United States is primarily outlined in which document?
The Articles of Confederation
The United States Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Federalist Papers
The U.S. Constitution establishes a federal system by enumerating national powers and reserving others to the states. Articles I through VII and the Tenth Amendment detail this distribution of authority. The Articles of Confederation preceded the Constitution but created a weaker central government. See the Constitution's text .
What term describes a clear separation of national and state government functions, often compared to a "layer cake"?
Fiscal federalism
Dual federalism
Cooperative federalism
Creative federalism
Dual federalism refers to a model where state and national governments operate in separate spheres with distinct responsibilities. It's often visualized as a layer cake, with each layer representing a level of government. This contrasts with cooperative federalism, where functions overlap. More on dual federalism .
Which type of federal grant gives states the most flexibility in how to spend federal funds?
Formula grant
Categorical grant
Project grant
Block grant
Block grants provide broad funding to states for general purposes, allowing considerable discretion in spending. In contrast, categorical grants are tied to specific programs or requirements. Block grants aim to simplify administration and give local officials decision-making power. Learn more about block grants .
Which form of federalism involves the federal and state governments working together on policy areas such as transportation and education?
Cooperative federalism
Devolution
Dual federalism
Confederalism
Cooperative federalism describes a collaborative relationship where national and state governments jointly administer programs and share resources. It emerged during the New Deal era to address complex national issues. This model is visualized as a marble cake, representing intertwined responsibilities. Further reading on cooperative federalism .
Which Supreme Court case established that states cannot tax federal institutions, reinforcing federal supremacy?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Marbury v. Madison
Brown v. Board of Education
Gibbons v. Ogden
In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court held that states cannot tax federal entities, affirming the supremacy of federal law. Chief Justice Marshall declared that "the power to tax involves the power to destroy," and concluded that federal laws take precedence over state laws. This case reinforced the necessary and proper clause and federal authority. Read details of the case .
What term describes federal grants awarded based on demographic formulas rather than competitive applications?
Categorical grants
Formula grants
Block grants
Project grants
Formula grants are distributed according to a statutory formula, often based on population, income, or other metrics. States receive funds automatically if they meet formula criteria, without submitting competitive proposals. This contrasts with project grants, which require applications and awards. More on formula grants .
Under dual federalism, which policy area is typically considered an exclusive power of the national government?
Marriage laws
Local zoning
National defense
Education policy
National defense is an enumerated power granted solely to the federal government by the Constitution. Under dual federalism, such powers are not shared with states, preserving clear boundaries. Education, family law, and zoning are traditionally state responsibilities. For more, see the enumeration of powers .
What is the doctrine called that asserts a state can invalidate federal law within its boundaries?
Devolution
Nullification
Preemption
Supremacy Clause
Nullification is the theory that states have the right to invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional within their borders. It was notably advanced by South Carolina in the 1830s over tariff disputes. The Supreme Court and federal government rejected nullification, affirming the Supremacy Clause. Learn more about nullification .
0
{"name":"Which system of government divides power between a central authority and constituent political units?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which system of government divides power between a central authority and constituent political units?, Which constitutional amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people?, The principle of federalism in the United States is primarily outlined in which document?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Federalism Fundamentals -

    Grasp the core principles of federalism, including the roles of national and state governments in power sharing.

  2. Analyze Division of Powers -

    Examine how delegated, reserved, and concurrent authorities distribute responsibilities across federal and state levels.

  3. Identify Key Power Categories -

    Distinguish between different types of powers by recognizing real-world examples of federalism in action.

  4. Apply Knowledge in Quiz Questions -

    Use your understanding to tackle 12 targeted questions on federalism, testing your grasp of questions about federalism concepts.

  5. Evaluate Your Responses -

    Review detailed federalism questions and answers to correct misunderstandings and reinforce accurate knowledge.

  6. Reflect on Governance Impact -

    Consider how federalism shapes policy decisions and the balance of authority in modern government systems.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Delegated Powers (Enumerated Powers) -

    Review the specific authorities granted to the national government under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, including coining money, declaring war, and regulating interstate commerce. A simple mnemonic "3Cs: Coin, Commerce, Conflict" helps you recall these core powers when tackling questions about federalism. Mastering delegated powers lays a solid foundation for any federalism quiz.

  2. Reserved Powers and the 10th Amendment -

    Focus on powers not expressly delegated that are retained by the states - education, local law enforcement, and intrastate commerce - under the 10th Amendment. Use the phrase "State's Domain" to connect Reserved with Domestic policies for easy recall. Being clear on reserved powers boosts your confidence when facing questions on federalism in exams.

  3. Concurrent Powers -

    Identify authorities shared by both federal and state governments - taxation, borrowing money, and establishing courts - as outlined in constitutional law sources. Remember "Share & Pair" to link shared powers to both levels of government. Mastery of concurrent powers strengthens your performance on federalism questions and answers practice.

  4. Supremacy Clause and Conflict Resolution -

    Understand Article VI's Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal laws and treaties as the "supreme Law of the Land" when state statutes conflict. Study landmark cases like McCulloch v. Maryland to see the "Preemption Principle" in action. Grasping this hierarchy helps you navigate tricky questions about federalism power disputes.

  5. Fiscal Federalism and Grants-in-Aid -

    Examine how the federal government uses categorical and block grants to shape state policies - a topic often featured in a federalism quiz. Recall the formula "Grant = Giver's Goals + State's Flexibility" to evaluate different grant types quickly. Familiarity with these fiscal tools elevates your answers in questions about federalism funding mechanisms.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Politics & Civics Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker